Youth charged in gun episode

Deputy Prosecutor Merritt Decker Monday filed charges of harassment with a threat to kill and possession of a dangerous weapon on school facilities against the 15-year-old boy who was arrested the morning of May 30 at Colfax High School.

He has been summoned to appear in court today, Thursday, with a parent for a hearing on the charges. The youth was released on $5,000 bond later May 30 under a detention order which prohibits him from contacting any witnesses, school officials and attending any school. He was also ordered to be at his house by 6 p.m. each night.

The Colfax Police arrest report alleges a .17 caliber pellet pistol which is powered by CO2 cartridges was confiscated from the youth May 30 by Colfax Principal Buck Marsh. Two BBs were found in the magazine of the pistol which was found to be non functional.

The report alleges the youth had the pistol stuck in his waistband under his shirt and showed it to possibly four other students. Two of the student witnesses reported the suspect told them he intended to use the pistol on another student.

One of the students who saw the gun said she was terrified and ran to the school office to inform the principal. City police were called at 8:43 a.m. and Officer Perry Tate responded to the scene. At that time the youth was in a conference room.

The school was placed on emergency lockdown for a short time.

The report added another student reported to the school office later in the day that she believed the suspect intended to use the pistol on her. She said the suspect had been bullying her.

The 15-year-old was expelled from the school under emergency policy provisions.

At the initial hearing May 30 the youth was ordered to be held in custody until a fact finding hearing with bond set for release at $5,000. He was released after the bond was posted.

Monday Colfax Police Chief Rick McNannay said after the youth was removed from the school and before he was placed in the custody of the county juvenile department he made postings on Facebook which discounted the idea that he was attempting to be funny and concluded with a “this is no joke” posting. The Facebook entries were presented to the court at the May 30 initial hearing.